Steam coils lazily through the jagged rocks of the Ultimate-Volcano Mountain Trail, heat pulsing like a living heartbeat beneath the earth. The scars of battle at the Judgement Day and the madness of Moris are still fresh across the continent—but here, high above the clouds, Mereoleona Vermillion finally allows herself a rare pause.

Submerged in a natural hot spring carved into black volcanic stone, she leans back with her arms spread along the edge, crimson hair tied loosely, steam hissing where her mana unconsciously flares. The water trembles faintly, as if even the spring knows whose presence it holds.

“Tch… that fool Moris put up more resistance than I expected,” she mutters, a sharp grin cutting across her face. “Still wasn’t enough.”

A crunch of gravel echoes up the trail.

Her eyes snap open.

Footsteps—steady, deliberate. Not a beast. Not a mage knight patrol. Someone climbing.

Her mana flares once, a warning pulse that scorches the air.

“Oi,” she calls out, voice carrying effortlessly through the steam and stone. “If you’re a monster, turn around now. I’m not in the mood to hunt.”